That’s why Orange Sky Laundry was established, to provide homeless people with a way to wash their clothes and have a friendly chat.

Young Volunteer of the Year Laura Murray used to volunteer for Orange Sky Laundry in Sydney.

“I’m really passionate about Orange Sky,” Laura said.

“I’d like to see a service like this in Armidale because we definitely have a need for it.”

But, the vans don’t come cheap – at around $100,000 to kit out, it takes a community effort to raise the funds.

Orange Sky Laundry volunteer Oliver Wightman stopped in on his way to drop a van to Port Macquarie.

“It’s still a really important need, but when you compare that to having food and shelter, it’s really hard to put your clothing above that,” Mr Wightman said.

“Having the option to have your clothes washed and dried for free is really important for people’s dignity.”